An Athlete in Action: Profile of a Volunteer

As a College at Florham undergraduate student and a member of the Devils basketball team, Colby Thompson sought to enhance the image of student-athletes on campus. He was involved all four years with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), which helps student athletes take an active role in the community, and served as president during his junior and senior years.

Under his leadership, the group was especially active and focused on “showing that student athletes are trying to make a difference,” he says.

Much of the SAAC’s service comes in the form of fundraising. Over the past two years, the SAAC raised $5,000 for breast cancer research. The organization also held sports clinics for special needs children at The Children’s Institute, read to children for Read Across America Day, participated in Relay for Life and conducted monthly campus clean ups.

Right: Colby Thompson reads to elementary school students as part of his service work with the SAAC.

Currently a graduate student in the QUEST education program, Thompson looks back fondly on his undergraduate volunteer activities. “I got a lot out of volunteering with SAAC — exposing myself to new things and meeting new people. Looking back on it all now, I would say more than anything, the volunteering was fun.”

Thompson heavily emphasizes how enjoyable serving others can be. “I would encourage students to volunteer and get involved. Volunteering isn’t just work, but can be a lot of fun.”